EP0990221B1 - Chip card with at least two coil devices for transferring data and/or energy - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a chip card with at least two coil devices (2, 3) for transferring data and/or energy with a write/read device (terminal) without contacts and optionally, with contacts (1). One or several of the coils (2) of the first coil device (2) is/are a coil/s for the close coupled environment, and one or several of the coils (3) of the second coil device (3) is/are a coil/coils for the remote coupled environment. An electronics unit is able to differentiate between the coil devices (2, 3) according to different physical features e.g., phase and/or frequency and/or amplitude and/or energy differences. When the remote coupled environment (3) and close coupled environment coil(s) (2) are situated in an electromagnetic alternating field at the same time and enough energy is being supplied through the remote coupled environment coil(s), a stereo signal (S1) which takes on a characteristic value (A1) is generated in a first part (4) of said electronics unit (6). The differences in the electromagnetic alternating field between the remote coupled environment (3) and close coupled environment coil(s) (2) are used in the form of phase and/or frequency and/or amplitude and/or energy differences to produce a second characteristic value (A2) of the stereo signal (S1). When the differences in the electromagnetic alternating field between the remote coupled environment (3) and close coupled environment coil(s) (2) disappear, the stereo signal (S1) is either not produced or takes on a third value (A3). In both cases the chip card can still be used with its environment with restricted functions, for as long as the energy supplied from the remote coupled environment coils (3) permits. When the stereo signal (S1) with the second value (A2) is produced the chip card can be used with additional functions, using the stereo effect to fulfil different functions according to whether it is operating with the close coupled environment or the remote-coupled environment.

Description

Technical field:

The invention relates to a chip card with at least two coil arrangements for contact-free and, if necessary, with contacts for contacts respective transmission of data and / or energy with a read / write device (Terminal).

State of the art and problem:

Contactless chip cards are increasingly being used, the energy and Exchange data contactlessly with your environment if you are in one electromagnetic field, which is from coils in a terminal is produced. The distance between chip card and terminal can usually between a few millimeters (close coupled, described in ISO 10536) up to 15 centimeters (remote range, remote coupled, described in ISO 14443). The problem with these chip cards is that they are without Plugging into a terminal over distance - unnoticed for the user - in their memory can be changed.

A chip card has become known from DE 43 27 334 C1, which distinguish between near and far areas or non-near areas can. A phase difference serves as a distinguishing feature for the near and far range between two signals, the detection of which is preferred Coils as described in ISO 10 536 are suitable. It is also possible, to combine coil arrangements on the chip card, as described in ISO 14 443 and are described in ISO 10 536. In addition, you can also use the chip cards Contacts are available. With these different communication elements (Coils according to ISO 14 443, ISO 10 536 and contacts) can use chip cards in different ways with their environment data and energy change. For security reasons, the distinction of usage a chip card in the vicinity of a terminal, e.g. by pushing it into one Slot, distinguished from that in the far range. Data, for example amounts of money represent should only be able to be loaded when the chip card is inserted into a slot in a terminal and located inside the protected terminal. It is supposed to be excluded be that certain memory areas on the smart card or certain Functions of the chip card activated for the user unnoticed by distance become.

In detail, from DE 43 27 334 A1 a chip card for contactless data transfer with a terminal having a transmission element known with contactless energy supply with at least two spatial separate receiving elements for receiving electromagnetic, optical or acoustic alternating fields. On the chip card a first electronics E1 is provided, which the on the receiving elements AC field components received without evaluating the intensities processed and given as signals to a second electronics E2. One between the phase shift occurring in the received alternating field components the signals are clearly mapped, whereby at the signal output of the electronics E2 a signal with a certain level PHS is emitted when the Phase difference between the two signals a constant exceeds the preset value; otherwise, a signal with a different levels PHS 'delivered. The PHS level indicates that the Receiving elements in a spatial area adjacent to the transmitting elements, the so-called stereo separation area, the signal with the level PHS for activating certain functions of the chip card in the stereo separation area is used. In particular, the phase shift to be evaluated and subsequently the signal PHS from several alternating field sources Different places can be made available by these sources have different phases with each other, and these differ Overlay alternating fields in the surrounding space and therefore location-dependent cause different resulting phase gradients. In particular, the constant value is fixed to such a size that no local operation is possible outside the retention range of the terminal is. From DE 43 27 334 A1 it can therefore be seen how a signal is generated, which is the near area between the chip card and the terminal indicated. However, about the interaction between the coils for the Long range, the close range and the contacts said nothing.

A chip card has also become known from DE 39 35 364, which automatically in a chip between the functions of contact operation and contactless operation differs. Again, there is no different Function levels, which by different distances are characterized.

DE 195 09 517 C1 is according to the aforementioned preamble Invention a device with a card terminal for the transmission of Energy and data on smart cards known through electromagnetic waves become, in which the sent from different card terminals electromagnetic waves in one or more physical characteristics, such as amplitude, frequency, phase, energy density, spatial direction, electrical or distinguish magnetic field components. To receive the electromagnetic The chip card contains an electronic circuit that waves the Evaluates waves according to their physical characteristics and according to the Result different functional parts of the circuit activated and accordingly the energy and data exchange according to the special Function of the activated functional parts of the circuit is carried out.

DE 42 05 827 A1 is a chip card for contactless, bidirectional Transmission of energy and data with a terminal become known which a microprocessor and a memory and a coil for the Close range, an electromagnetic resonant circuit for the long range as well comprises an energy store and a manually operated switch. At Operation of the switch becomes a coded remote-acting electromagnetic Alternating field of the resonant circuit for data transmission from or into the memory triggered.

Technical task:

The invention is therefore based on the object of a chip card of the type mentioned Generate what different functions of the chip or Parts of it depending on the indication close-up and / or long-range controls using the stereo effect.

Description of the patented solution and its advantages:

The solution to the problem is characterized by a chip card with at least two coil arrangements for contact-free and, if necessary, with contacts for the contact-related transmission of data and / or energy with a read / write device (terminal), one or more of the coils of the first coil arrangement those for the short range (short range or stereo coils) and one or more of the coils of the second coil arrangement for long-range (long-range coils), with electronics that are compatible with the Coil arrangements and possibly the contacts connected and the is suitable between the different coil arrangements accordingly different physical characteristics, such as phase and / or frequency and / or Differences in amplitude and / or energy, where a) A stereo signal (S1) is generated in a first part of the electronics, which assumes a first characteristic value (A1) when the long-range and the short-range coil (s) are simultaneously in an alternating electromagnetic field and the energy supply via the long-range coil (s) is sufficient, to activate the electronics or at least the first part, b) wherein Differences in the alternating electromagnetic field between the long-range and the short-range coil (s) in the form of phase and / or frequency and / or Amplitude and / or energy differences can be used to make a second generate characteristic value (A2) of the stereo signal (S1), c) if the Differences in the alternating electromagnetic field between the long-range and the short-range coil (s) disappear, as a result of which the stereo signal S1 fails or takes on a third characteristic value (A3) and in these two cases the chip card with its environment for so long limited functions remains usable, such as the radiated energy the long-range coil (s) allows this, d) on the other hand if the stereo signal is present (S1) with the second characteristic value (A2) with the chip card additional functions beyond the restricted function can be used.

It is advantageously possible through the invention to function a chip card in To control dependence on the indication of short-range and / or long-range and thereby the stereo effect or a stereo signal created thereby to take advantage of. This makes it possible to set different security levels Access to memory or memory parts depending on the function near or Long-range to activate.

In a further embodiment has the presence of the stereo signal (S1) with the first value (A2) and sufficient energy supply via the short-range coil (s) the first part of the electronics or the chip over the dominance all other parts or electronic parts inside, so that he can choose the other Switch parts or electronic parts on or off and / or certain Activate or close functions in the other parts or electronic parts is able to deactivate.

In the case of a chip card with contacts, the stereo signal (S1) is used the first or second or third value (A1, A2, A3) a communication via the contacts are interrupted and / or depending on the corresponding stereo signal (S1) controlled.

Another, second electronics part is directly connected to the short-range coil (s) connected, which the incoming signals via the short-range coil (s) in such a form of electronics and / or the first part thereof Provides how it compares the signals when received via the contacts are, for example rectification, so that the further second electronic part Functions as they do when the signals are received via the contacts are executable.

At least one further, third electronic part is advantageously present, which if one of the different values is available (A1, A2, A3) or if there is no value of the stereo signal (S1) is an optical or perceptible for humans emits an acoustic signal, with which a user of the chip card between is able to differentiate between different functions.

In addition, at least a part of the long-range coil (s) and / or the Short-range coil (s) can be designed as capacitors, also for Transfer data and / or energy. You can at a Chip card with contacts only short-range coil (s) and / or Capacitors are present, the stereo signal (S1) being different Values (A1, A2, ..., An) which each control the functions of the Serve electronics of the chip card.

Be advantageous alternately via the long-range coil (s) and / or Short-range coil (s) energy and data and / or via the contacts data and Energy exchanged, the data coming in from the contacts on the Coils and the data entered via coils are output via the contacts become.

When using different frequencies as physical Distinguishing feature is advantageously in the short-range coil (s) (2) different frequency than coupled into the long-range coil (s) 3 by the Short-range coil (s) 2 adjacent localized coil of the terminal with one different frequency than the coil of the terminal, which with the Long-range coil (s) 3 of the chip card is coupled.

The drawing shows a block diagram of the individual function blocks Chip card according to the invention.

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION:
FIG. 1 shows schematically the individual parts of the chip card described in accordance with the patent. Reference number 1 symbolizes a contact field 1 or contacts which is connected to electronics 6 or a chip 6. The chip 6 consists essentially of the two parts 4 and 5, between which data and energy can be exchanged using the arrow 9. In part 4, a stereo signal (S1) is generated, and part 5 can, for example, house a memory or various memories as well as an arithmetic unit. Short-range or stereo coils 2 are connected to a second electronic part 7, which processes the signal or energy inputs via the short-range coils 2 in a form as they are made available to the chip 6 via the contacts 1. The second electronics part 7 communicates with the part 4 of the chip 6 via the communication link 10. Long-range coils 3, for example those of resonant circuits with different characteristic data, are connected to the chip 6. A third electronic part 8 outputs acoustic or optical or some other type of signal depending on different values A1, A2, A3 of the stereo signal.

In part 4, which is part of the chip 6, a stereo signal S1 is generated. This Stereo signal S1 can be caused by differences in the signal inputs of the Short-range coil (s) 2 and / or the long-range coil (s) 3 are generated. It The coils 2, 3 can be a combination in which a small Coil is contained in a larger coil surrounding it. It can also are a coil arrangement as described in ISO 10 536, this coil arrangement also geometrically within the surface a larger coil. So it is possible that both coils in the Far range from which the same electromagnetic field flows, on the other hand, an additional field is localized exactly where it is located in the close range the short-range coil (s) 2 is located. This localization can be achieved that a coil is geometrically placed in a terminal so that it when the chip card is inserted into the terminal directly near the Short-range coil (s) 2 comes to rest. Because of this arrangement ensures that the short-range coil (s) 2 in the far range is weak Signal received, but a strong signal at close range. The Long-range coil (s) 3 are not disturbed in their function in the long-range, because the signal for the short-range coil (s) 2 in the far range would be too weak. in the Decoupling at close range e.g. by different frequencies respectively. Both coils 2, 3 can also be in their turns with each other linked, with which their signal and energy receipts vary depending on Connection circuit, namely in series or in parallel, amplify or weaken. It is possible because of this, in the first Coil arrangement 2 different signals and energies compared to the second Obtain coil assembly 3. These differences in electromagnetic Couplings in the short-range 2 and / or long-range coil (s) 3 are electronically evaluable by means of the electronics 6 and can be in the different Values of a stereo signal S1 are mapped.

The stereo signal S1 can assume a characteristic value A1 if the short-range coil (s) 2 simultaneously with the long-range coil (s) 3 in an alternating electromagnetic field, and the energy feed alone over the long-range coil (s) 3 is sufficient for the chip 6 or at least Parts 4, 5 of the chip 6 to activate. This first characteristic value A1 thus signals that both long-range coil (s) 3 and Short-range coil (s) receive 2 signals, the energy supply for the Chip 6 is completely sufficient over the long-range coil (s) 3. In order to is guaranteed that a chip card, which from the infinite long range brought into the vicinity of a terminal emitting electromagnetic waves is generated, the stereo signal S1 with the value A1. The chip card can Take over functions, as they usually do with chip cards according to ISO 14 443 available.

Can the electronics 6 and / or part 4 of this differ in electromagnetic Alternating field between the long-range coil (s) 3 and the short-range coil (s) 2 index, the signal S1 takes its second characteristic Value A2 on. The differences in the alternating electromagnetic field can physically as phase differences, frequency differences, amplitude differences or energy differences or combinations of these can be used. DE 43 27 334 C1 exclusively describes the use of phase differences for indication between local and remote operation. The phase difference should be the best criterion to distinguish between local and remote operation distinguish, because in the long range the superposition of the vibrations of two Transmitters, such as two coils. Are not advantageous in the same way Differences in the alternating electromagnetic field due to frequencies and / or Amplitude and / or energy differences. In all of these cases through suitable measures, also over the long range, a signal difference in the short-range 2 and long-range coil (s) 3 are generated, the operation Pretends close range. According to the patent, however, it is possible to place in the short-range coil (s) 2 for example to couple in a different frequency than in the long-range coil (s) 3. This is done, for example, by that of the short-range coil (s) 2 adjacent located coil in the terminal with another Frequency oscillates as the coil in the terminal which is connected to the long range coil (s) 3 couples. If the chip 6 or part 4 detects a frequency difference, the stereo signal S1 becomes from the first characteristic value A1 in switched its second value A2. The same thing happens if between Short-range 2 and long-range coil (s) 3 a phase difference occurs.

The differences in the alternating electromagnetic field between the inputs via the short-range 2 and long-range coil (s) 3, so should also there is no stereo signal S1 or another characteristic take third value A3. If this third value A3 is present in the Electronics 6 the information available that the second value A2 of the Stereo signal S1 was present and is no longer available. For the Chip card users this means that the chip card is in the area of a near field was and is no longer in it. With the third value A3 6 different functions can be controlled in the electronics, which differ from those controlled with values A1 and A2. This ensures that the chip card has limited functions remains usable as long as it has enough radiated energy via the Long-range coil (s) 3 received. If the stereo signal S1 is present with the value A2, It is guaranteed that all additional functions, beyond the restricted at values A1 and A3 are active. The functions can determine Security levels must be assigned so that the A2 of the stereo signal highest security level is assigned to the immediate area.

If sufficient energy is fed in via the short-range coil (s) 2, i.e. enough the short-range coupling to supply the chip 6 or the part 4 can part 4 take control of all other electronic parts. Because according to the invention, the stereo signal S1 has the value A2 in this case, is guaranteed that the highest security level is only active if and only if the chip card is in the vicinity of a terminal. Prerequisite for this is that the energy via the short-range coil (s) 2 is sufficient to at least to keep part 4 of electronics 6 active. In this case, part 4 the electronics 4 can be decided whether, for example, certain others Chip parts or inputs and outputs can be switched on or off.

With its three values A1, A2, A3, the stereo signal S1 indicates different ones Conditions. Depending on these values, it can be decided whether over the contacts 1 can still be communicated using only data be exchanged, or whether energy is also available via the contacts or whether the contacts are switched off.

The second electronics part 7 is connected directly to the short-range coil (s) 2. In this electronics part 7, the signal and / or energy inputs via the Short-range coil (s) 2 prepared in a form that they with the inputs via the contacts 1 are comparable. This ensures that the Electronics 6 all functions related to communication via contacts 1 are designed in an unchanged manner as in a contact operation can. So a multiplication value in part 5 of chip 6 can be done in the same way Data on the coupling link 2 as obtained via the contact link 1.

In addition to the electronics part 6 or as part of 6, there is a third electronics part 8 available, which depends on the values A1, A2, A3 of the stereo signal S1 optical, acoustic or other human-perceptible signals send out. It is one with the perception of the different signals Users possible to assess what condition, security mode, the Chip card works. With this signal, a chip card user is able to determine whether, for example, the highest security level is given by the value A2 activated in a closed terminal. This can be done through a acoustic signal, but the third electronics part 8 can also visual display, which is contained on the chip card and after Inserting into a terminal when removing it indicates that the value A2 was activated. It is immediately visible to a user that the highest security level of his chip card has been activated.

If long-range coil (s) 3 are missing in a special embodiment, the Remote operation is only possible in limited form. But if additional Contacts 1 are present on the chip card, a stereo signal S1 can be generated which different values A1, A2, ... is able to assume where these values A1, A2, ...., to contact function or mixed function, namely characterize both contact and non-contact.

For test purposes, it can be useful to have data that is transmitted via coils and / or Incoming contacts to send via the other input / output paths. about this way the functioning of certain chip parts can be tested, by feeding data about the short-range coil (s) 2 and their correct Processing and output via contacts 1 or long-range coils 3 or is tested in reverse.

Instead of short-range or stereo coils 2 and / or long-range coils 3 capacitors are also used at least in part. In this case signals or data are preferably transmitted via these capacitors, because there is an energy transfer through the use of electrical Field properties (energy density of the electric field) via capacitor plates not suitable in the same way as an energy transfer via the magnetic field densities in coil couplings.

All electronic circuit parts, namely the electronics 6, the first Part 4 of the electronics 6, the second part 5 of the electronics 6, the second Electronics part 7 and the third electronics part 8 can be in a single chip 6 be integrated, as is also possible, parts thereof as separate circuits build up that are functionally connected.

Industrial applicability:

The chip card according to the invention with at least two coil arrangements is industrially applicable to such chip cards depending on the Indication to control short-range and / or long-range and thereby the Take advantage of the stereo effect. The utility of the invention is particular in that when accessing the memory or memory parts of the chip different security levels depending on the function close or Remote area can be activated and thus the chip card using the Stereo effect depending on local or remote operation different Is able to perform functions.

Claims (9)

1. Chip card with at least two coil arrangements (2, 3) for contact-free transmission as well as, potentially, contact-effected transmission with contacts (1) of data and/or energy to a write-read device (terminal), whereby one or more of the coils (2) of the first coil arrangement (2) are coils for the near range (near range or stereo coils) and one or more of the coils (3) of the second coil arrangement (3) are coils for the far range (far range coils), with an electronics (6) that is connected to the coil arrangements (2, 3) and, potentially, to the contacts (1) and that is suitable for distinguishing between the different coil arrangements (2, 3) according to different physical features such as phase and/or frequency and/or amplitude and/or energy differences, characterized in that

   a) a stereo signal (S1) is generated in a first part (4) of the electronics (6), this stereo signal (S1) assuming a first characteristic value (A1) when the far range (3) and the near range (2) coil or coils are simultaneously located in an electromagnetic alternating field and the energy feed via the far range coil or coils suffices in order to activate the electronics (6) or at least the part (4);

   b) whereby differences in the electromagnetic atternating field between the far range coil or coils (3) and the near range coil or coils (2) in the form of phase and/or frequency and/or amplitude and/or energy differences are utilized in order to generate a second characteristic value (A2) of the stereo signal (S1);

   c) where the differences in the electromagnetic alternating field between the far range coil or coils (3) and the near range coil or coils (2) disappear, the stereo signal Sl fails to arrive as a result thereof or assumes a further, third characteristic value (A3) and, in both these instances, the chip card remains useable with its environment with unlimited function as long as the energy that is beamed in from the far range coil or coils (3) allows it;

   d) by contrast whereto, given presence of the stereo signal (S1) with the second characteristic value (A2), the chip card is useable with additional functions beyond the limited function.
2. Chip card according to claim 1, characterized in that, given the presence of the stereo signal (S1) with the first value (A2) and adequate energy feed via the near range coil or coils (2), the first part (4) of the electronics (6) has dominance over all further electronics parts (5, 7, 8), so that it is capable of optionally switching the other electronics parts (5, 7, 8) on or off and/or of activating or deactivating specific functions in the other electronics parts (5, 7, 8).
3. Chip card according to claim 1 with contacts (1), characterized in that, given the presence of the stereo signal (S1) with the first or second or third value (A1, A2, A3), a communication via the contacts (1) is interrupted and/or is controlled dependent on the corresponding stereo signal (S1).
4. Chip card according to claim 1 characterized in that a second electronic parts (7) is directly connected to the near range coil or coils (2), this second electronics part (7) making the signals entering via the near range coil or coils (2) available to the electronics (6) and/or parts (4, 5) thereof in a form comparable to the signals given input via the contacts (1), for example rectification, so that the second electronics part (7) implements functions of a type that can also be implemented given reception of the signals via the contacts (1).
5. Chip card according to claim 1, characterized in that a third electronics part (8) is present that, given the presence of one of the different values (A1, A2, A3) or given the absence of the stereo signal (S1), outputs an optical or acoustic signal perceptible to a human, wherewith a user of the chip card is capable of distinguishing between different functionings.
6. Chip card according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of the far range coil or coils (3) and of the near range coil or coils (2) are fashioned as capacitors that likewise serve for the transmission of data and/or energy.
7. Chip card according to claim 6 with contacts (1), characterized in that only near range coil or coils (2) and/or capacitors are present, and the stereo signal (1) assumes different values (A1, A2 ,.....,An) that respectively serve for the control of the functions of the electronics (6) of the chip card.
8. Chip card according to claim 1, with contacts (1), characterized in that energy and data via the far range coil or coils (3) and/or the near range coil or coils (2) and/or data and energy via the contacts (1) are exchanged in alternation, whereby the data arriving from the contacts are output via the coils (2, 3) and the data input via coils (2, 3) are output via the contacts (1).
9. Chip card according to claim 1 characterized in that, given employment of different frequencies as physical distinguishing feature, is different frequency is coupled into the near range coil or coils (2) than into the far range coil or coils (3), in that the localized coil of the terminal neighboring the near range coil or coils (2) oscillates with a different frequency from that coil of the terminal that is coupled to the far range coil or coils 3 of the chip card.

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